A1 GP reacts to Verstappen withdrawal

27/09/2006NEWS STORY

The A1GP World Cup of Motorsport organisation has expressed its disappointed that Jos Verstappen will not be competing in the 2006/07 season and is concerned that the decision has come just days ahead of the season opener at Circuit Park Zandvoort, the Netherlands.

While driver negotiations and agreements remain the sole responsibility of the individual A1 Team, A1GP CEO Bruce Holmes, joined discussions at the request of A1 Team Netherlands' seat holder, Jan Lammers, in a bid to secure a successful resolution for all involved. Unfortunately terms between team and driver could not be concluded and a final agreement was not reached.

"A1GP is ultimately a team sport where cars represent their national flag above any individual. There will be a competitive Dutch team on the track in Zandvoort which the sell out crowd will doubtless be enthusiastically supporting to win," Mr Holmes said. "We've a fantastic weekend of racing ahead."

Zandvoort local, Jeroen Bleekemolen, who also represented A1 Team Netherlands throughout the first season will replace Verstappen. His local knowledge and experience of the circuit will demonstrate his value to the team from the start of the second season.

A1GP World Cup of Motorsport is committed to delivering a compelling entertainment package to its fans both on track and through its global television reach. While some fans will be disappointed with Jos Verstappen's withdrawal, A1GP strongly believes that everyone attending Zandvoort will have an exciting weekend of racing.

"A1GP is on track to deliver the exciting season opener that has always been promised," Mr Holmes said.

Any fan who purchased a ticket for the sole purpose of supporting Jos Verstappen can request a full refund for the face value on any unwanted ticket. The ticket holder must e-mail their booking reference number to enquiries@A1GPTB.com officially requesting their refund by midnight on Friday 29 September 2006. A refund will be issued on receipt of a valid ticket and will only be given if a corresponding e-mail has been received by the deadline stated. Refunds will not be given on the gate.